Really impressed with everyone's training - not an easy thing to do in the awful conditions. Some really great mileage being put in though.

Not been around for a few days as I left my computer at work Wednesday evening to then find work was closed for 2 days due to the ice and snow. Wooo Hooooo!! Still, a few days away from the computer was a refreshing change.

Joolska: Wow, I adore the Avon Gorge and having a step-daughter at UWE, so I'm in Bristol and Clifton at least 3 times a year. Love the place (although the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a little high and I have problems crossing it by foot!!)

Well, had my second physio appointment on Friday evening (had to walk to the hospital as the roads were so bad). It took me 25 minutes to complete the first mile as the pavements were sooo treacherous and a total of an hour and 10 mins to complete a 2 and a quarter mile journey! Still, it was really worth it as I'm really feeling the benefit of the ultrasound therapy. Feeling so much better although Mr Physio man has still banned me from running for a few weeks yet. Have to say though, I'm just getting so excited at the prospect of even a little running in the coming weeks. WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!! It is such a relief to actually feel that I'm finally healing. After 10-12 weeks of little or no improvement it really starts to "play with your head".

Of course once back, I'll have to build training VERY carefully and small steps at a time but I really hope to be back out there "tempoing" by March. SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

You never know, I might even be able to post some miles and times myself soon!!

I hope everyone is keeping warm and safe with the weather conditions being what they are!! Terrible! Not been around for a while I'm afraid as I have just been sooooo fed up with not being able to run. To take part in running forums etc., just rubs large amounts of salt into the wounds. Will cut a very long story short but basically not run since the 22nd of August. August!!!!

After a couple of visits to docs, phyios, ultrasound scans etc., they have decided that I had torn my lateral retinaculam (soft tissue just above the knee and by IT Band). I'm currently going private at the Spencer Wing at QEQM and I'm now finally big progress in terms of recovery. Anyway, it looks like I might be able to get training again in the next few weeks (I feel ready) but just have to get the all clear from the physio chief.

I can't tell you how frustrating and depressing this kind of injury is. I've had the odd niggle and strain in the past but nothing like this.

Anyway, I really hope to be training again soon and perhaps I might be able to plan some races for next year. Fingers crossed!!

why sub3:10? There are 2 reasons really. The first is that I want to get GFA for London, as I'd quite like to have the experience of running it and secondly, because I think 3:15 or very near could have been possible at Loch Ness, if I'd got more miles and structured training in, so after 18 solid weeks of P&D I want to see considerable improvement.

What is the qualifying time now for GFA place for a 40yr old - any ideas? I wouldn't be so fussed about VLM to be honest. Just my opinion but I think it's a little overated.